Camera capable of reading/writing information of photo film cassette

ABSTRACT

A camera is used with a photo film cassette of a predetermined type. The photo film cassette includes a spool about which photo film is wound. A cassette shell contains the spool in a rotatable manner. A data disk with a bar code is disposed on the spool in a manner readable externally outside the cassette shell for signaling photo film information. In the camera, a cassette containing chamber contains the cassette. A bottom lid closes the cassette containing chamber in an openable manner. A spool drive shaft rotates the spool of the cassette in the cassette containing chamber, the spool drive shaft being connected to the spool set at a first rotational angle when the spool drive shaft has the first rotational angle. An bar code reader reads the photo film information from the data disk rotated in the cassette containing camber. A type determiner section in CPU detects whether the photo film cassette of the predetermined type is loaded in the cassette containing chamber according to the photo film information from the bar code reader. CPU controls operation of the spool drive shaft, CPU rotating the spool drive shaft when the bottom lid is closed, CPU stopping the spool drive shaft to set the spool at a second rotational angle when the type determiner section detects lack of the cassette or existence of a cassette different from the predetermined type.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/791,148 filed Jan. 30,1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,000 the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a camera capable of reading/writinginformation of a photo film cassette. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a camera capable of reliably detecting existence ofa photo film cassette by utilizing reading of information of the photofilm cassette.

2. Description Related to the Prior Art

A photo film cassette of a widely used 35 mm type includes a spoolrotatably contained in a cassette shell, and a silver salt photo filmwound about the spool in a roll form and contained in the cassetteshell. Outside the cassette shell, there are a bar code printed torepresent information including photo film speed, and numerals or signsprinted to indicate the maximum number of available frames of the photofilm. A photo film passage port or slit is formed along the cassetteshell, and adapted to passage of the photo film for unwinding andwinding back. In the 35 mm type, a DX code is used to represent theinformation.

After development of the photo film, the cassette shell of the 35 mmphoto film cassette is discarded as a waste. The photo film is cut intopieces each of which includes a predetermined number of frames. Thosephoto film pieces are inserted into a sheet holder or photo filmsheaths. The photo film being developed is handled by a photofinisher toproduce photographic prints or photographs by exposing photographicpaper with frames recorded on the photo film.

There is also a new standardized photo film cassette known as IX240type, which includes the photo film, the spool and the cassette shellbeing plastic. The cassette shell has a photo film port shutter orcassette shutter disposed in a rotatable manner between open and closedpositions in a photo film passage port. When the spool is rotated in adirection to unwind the photo film, a leader of the photo film isadvanced from the inside to the outside of the cassette shell throughthe passage port being open.

The spool further includes a data disk and a status indicator mechanism,both of which are rotatable integrally with a core of the spool, and arevisible through openings or holes formed in the cassette shell of thenew standardized photo film cassette.

On the data disk is disposed a rotary bar code, which represents photofilm information including photo film speed or ISO sensitivity, themaximum number of available frames of the photo film, and a photo filmtype. When a camera is loaded with the new standardized photo filmcassette, a photo sensor automatically reads the data disk to recognizethe information. The indicator mechanism includes four indicia holes andan indicator tongue. An end face of the cassette shell has the fourindicia holes formed through it in different shapes. The four indiciaholes represent an unexposed status, an exposed status, a developedstatus, and a partially exposed status. The indicator tongue is disposedfixedly with an end of the spool, and stopped behind one of the indiciaholes, to indicate one of four statuses of the photo film.

The user is enabled to use the new standardized photo film cassette withthe camera to take photographs in such a convenient manner as the 35 mmphoto film cassette. The new standardized photo film cassette has anadditional feature of containing the roll of the photo film afterdevelopment for preservation. The cassette shell of the new standardizedphoto film cassette can be effective when the new standardized photofilm cassette is loaded in various external optical instruments. Visibleimages of the photo film being developed can be electrically reproducedon a monitor display or printed on a sheet. The new standardized photofilm cassette is useful as a container for the recording medium by thevirtue of its compatibility to an audio-visual system.

The new standardized photo film cassette being standardized newly isdifferent in the structure and operation from the 35 mm photo filmcassette. Even if a user erroneously loads the newly standardized camerawith the 35 mm photo film cassette, the 35 mm photo film cassette isautomatically treated in the camera without recognizing the error, todamage both the 35 mm photo film cassette and the camera. Even after theerroneously inserted cassette is unloaded from the camera, an accidentaloperation is likely to occur when the new standardized photo filmcassette is acceptably inserted in the camera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing problems, an object of the present invention isto provide a camera capable of reliably detecting existence of a wrongtype of photo film cassette to avoid damaging the camera and cassettes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera having areduced number of external operable input units, such as pushbuttons,for adjustment.

In order to achieve the above and other objects and advantages of thisinvention, a data disk is disposed on the spool in a manner readableexternally outside the cassette shell for signaling photo filminformation. In the camera, a cassette containing chamber contains thecassette. A lid closes the cassette containing chamber in an openablemanner. A spool drive mechanism rotates the spool of the cassette in thecassette containing chamber, the spool drive mechanism being connectedto the spool set at a first rotational angle when the spool drivemechanism has the first rotational angle. An information reader readsthe photo film information from the data disk rotated in the cassettecontaining camber. Type determiner means detects whether the photo filmcassette of the predetermined type is loaded in the cassette containingchamber according to the photo film information from the informationreader. A controller controls operation of the spool drive mechanism,the controller rotating the spool drive mechanism when the lid isclosed, the controller stopping the spool drive mechanism to set thespool at a second rotational angle when the type determiner meansdetects lack of the cassette or existence of a cassette different fromthe predetermined type.

In a preferred embodiment, a status indicator is disposed on one end ofthe cassette shell in an externally observable manner, for indicating aused status of the photo film, the status indicator indicating anunexposed status of the photo film when the spool has the firstrotational angle, and indicating an exposed status of the photo filmwhen the spool has the second rotational angle.

Furthermore the camera has a magnetic head, the magnetic head recordinginformation of a printing number of photographic prints to a magneticlayer of photo film in association with a frame exposed on the photofilm. There is an externally observable display device. A first inputunit is externally operable for generating a first signal. A secondinput unit is externally operable for generating a second signal. Athird input unit is externally operable for generating a third signal.The controller means selectively executes a date display mode, a dateadjust mode and a print number mode, the date display mode being adaptedto indicate a date in the display device, the date adjust mode beingadapted to adjusting the date in the display device, and the printnumber mode being adapted to indicate the printing number, the dateadjust mode being selected when the first signal is generated in thedate display mode, and the print number mode being selected when eitherof the second and third signals is generated in the date display mode.

When the second signal is generated in the date adjust mode, thecontroller means locally designates one of plural numerals arranged inthe display device to be adjusted. When the third signal is generated,the controller means changes the locally designated one of the numerals.

When the either signal of the second and third signals is generated inthe print number mode, the controller means changes the printing number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustrating a camera;

FIG. 2A is a perspective, partially broken, illustrating the camera inwhich a cassette containing chamber is opened;

FIG. 2B is an explanatory view illustrating a liquid crystal displaypanel;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective illustrating a photo film cassette;

FIG. 4A is a perspective illustrating the cassette of which four indiciaholes are oriented upwards;

FIG. 4B is a perspective illustrating the cassette of which a data diskis oriented upwards;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspectives illustrating the cassette in enlargement;

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustrating a spool of the cassette;

FIG. 8 is a plan illustrating the cassette, photo film, and a take-upspool of the camera;

FIG. 8A is a cross section illustrating the photo film;

FIGS. 9A-9C are explanatory views in plans, illustrating an openermechanism and a spool drive shaft at the time of inserting the cassette;

FIGS. 9D-9F are explanatory views in plans, illustrating the openermechanism and the spool drive shaft at the time of unloading thecassette;

FIGS. 10A-10C are explanatory views in plans, illustrating rotationalpositions of the data disk and the spool drive shaft;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are flow charts illustrating a main routine ofoperation of the camera;

FIG. 12 is a timing chart illustrating detection of cassette existenceaccording to outputs of switches;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating an SCC opened routine after the SCCswitch is opened;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an SCC closed routine after the SCCswitch is closed;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a DEP₋₋ DD routine in which thedata disk is read;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating an FFS routine in which the photofilm is fed;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a Release routine in which anexposure is taken by releasing the shutter;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a Rewind routine in which the photofilm is wound back;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating a VEI routine in which the spool isstopped while orienting the indicator tongue in a predetermineddirection;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are flow charts illustrating the main routine ofoperation of the camera;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view illustrating the liquid crystal displaypanel displaying a date in a Date display mode;

FIGS. 23A-23D are explanatory views illustrating a mode in which theliquid crystal display panel displays photo film information;

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view illustrating the liquid crystal displaypanel displaying a time in a Date display mode;

FIG. 25 is a rear elevation illustrating the camera in which a D button,a PQ button and an ST button appear;

FIG. 26 is a chart illustrating examples of the date selectable in alooped routine;

FIG. 27 is a chart illustrating a routine where a Date adjust mode isstarted and ended;

FIG. 28 is a chart illustrating a routine where a PQ number mode isstarted and ended;

FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating a routine for executing a Rewritingoperation;

FIG. 30 is a chart illustrating a routine where an ST select mode isstarted and ended;

FIG. 31 is a table illustrating selectable languages with languagecodes;

FIG. 32 is a table illustrating selectable captions with caption codes;

FIG. 33 is a flow chart illustrating a routine for a Rewriting operationof a language and/or a caption;

FIG. 34 is a block diagram schematically illustrating relevant circuitsof the camera;

FIG. 35 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a detailedcomponents included in CPU; and

FIG. 36 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a photo filmfeeding mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENTINVENTION

The present invention is described with reference to the drawings. FIGS.1, 2A, 2B and 9A-9F illustrate a camera. FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8Aand 10A-10C illustrate a photo film cassette of the IX240 type. FIGS.11A-19 are flow charts and a timing chart of the operation of thecamera.

In FIG. 1, a front of a camera 2 has a lens barrel 4, sensor windows 6,a viewfinder window 8, a flash emitting window 10 and a lamp orlight-emitting diode (LED) 12. The lens barrel 4 has a zoom lens ofwhich a focal length is variable. The sensor windows 6 respectively havean auto focussing sensor and an exposure sensor. The lamp 12 is turnedon to indicate a use of a self timer. A top of the camera 2 has ashutter release button 14 for a shutter device 14a (See FIG. 34) andassociated with an SP1 switch.

In FIG. 2A, a rear of the camera 2 has an SM switch or main switch 16,an SMODE switch 18, a zoom lever 20, a liquid crystal display (LCD)panel 22, a viewfinder eyepiece 24, a frame size lever 26 and a buttoncover 28. The frame size lever 26 is operable for selectively settingone of two frame sizes. The button cover 28 has a group of variousswitches for inputting commands as a switch group 202 depicted in FIG.34, for example to adjust indication of the LCD panel 22.

A bottom of the camera 2 has an openable lid 30, which is swung open toload and unload a photo film cassette CFL. An SCC switch is disposed todetect opening/closing movement of the lid 30, and is included in theswitch group 202.

Inside the camera 2 is formed a cassette containing chamber 32, which isgenerally cylindrical and enclosed by closing the lid 30 in light-tightfashion. Inside the cassette containing chamber 32 are disposed a spoolkey or spool drive shaft 34, a shutter rotating shaft or key 36, a barcode reader 38 incorporating a photo sensor, an SCT switch 40 and aphoto film gate 42. The spool drive shaft 34 is received in and fittedin an axial hole 130 (See FIGS. 4A and 4B) in a spool 100 of the photofilm cassette CFL when the cassette CFL is inserted in the cassettecontaining chamber 32 in an axial direction. The shutter rotating shaft36 is received in and fitted in an axial hole 132 in a photo film portshutter or cassette shutter 106. The bar code reader 38 readsinformation of a data disk DD optically. The SCT switch 40 is engaged ona top end of the cassette CFL, and moved thereby to detect insertion ofthe cassette CFL. The photo film gate 42 receives a photo film FLMthrust out of the cassette CFL toward an exposure aperture of the camera2. The photo film cassette CFL is described later in detail.

The spool drive shaft 34 has a key shape, and has a projection 34adisposed on a shaft portion and projecting radially in a rectangularshape. The spool drive shaft 34 is supported in a slidable mannervertically within a limited stroke in response to upward pressure. Thespool drive shaft 34 is connected to, and driven by, a feeding motor 46of FIG. 36 in the camera 2. A rotational angle of the spool drive shaft34 is detected by a photo interrupter (not shown) monitoring the numberof generated pulses. It is determined that 508 pulses are generated perone rotation of the spool drive shaft 34. A tip of the shutter rotatingshaft 36 has a shape of a minus-shaped tip of a screwdriver. In FIG. 36,the feeding motor 46 selectively drives the spool drive shaft 34 andalso a take-up spool 48 disposed in a roll chamber opposite to thecassette containing chamber 32. Those are included in a photo filmfeeding mechanism 204 in FIG. 34.

A lid-opener button 44 is disposed on a side of the camera 2. When thelid-opener button 44 is slid along an L-shaped guide groove while thelid 30 is closed, an engaging claw 30a of the lid 30 is disengaged froman edge of the camera 2 to render the lid 30 openable. When the lid 30being open is pushed in a closing direction, the engaging claw 30a isretained on the edge of the camera 2 to enclose the cassette containingchamber 32.

In FIG. 2B, the LCD panel 22 indicates various information. In a firstrow of the LCD panel 22, there are five triangular indicia for pointingrespective ones of photograph-taking modes. The five mode indicia areprinted on the rear of the camera 2. In a second row of the LCD panel22, there are a cassette indicia CM, eight digits 23a-23h and a downwardarrow indicia. The cassette indicia CM appears while the cassette CFL isloaded, and turned off when the cassette CFL is unloaded. The eightdigits 23a-23h respectively have seven straight segments, which arearranged as sides of two quadrilaterals. The downward arrow indiciaappears in a blinking manner while the flash device is being charged. Ina third row of the LCD panel 22, there are a printing status sign "F/B",a battery indicia BT, a remote control indicia RM and a timer indiciaSL. The printing status sign "F/B" appears to indicate the frontprinting and/or the back printing. The battery indicia BT indicates aremaining available amount of a battery contained in the camera 2. Theremote control indicia RM appears when the camera 2 is operatedaccording to the remote control. The timer indicia SL appears when anexposure is taken with the self timer.

Among the eight digits 23a-23h, the two digits 23g and 23h in FIG. 2Bthe nearest to the cassette indicia CM indicate the number of availableframes, and are turned off when no available frames remain (the framenumber is zero). After exposures are taken to the photo film FLM of thephoto film cassette CFL, a sign "E" is indicated at the digits 23gand/or 23h .

The two digits 23a and 23b indicate a year in which a photograph istaken. The four digits 23c, 23d, 23e and 23f indicate a month, a day,and/or a time at which a photograph is taken. When the lid 30 is closedwith the cassette CFL inserted, the digit 23a is driven to indicate asign of a photo film type, indicates "P" for a reversal film, indicates"b" for a monochromatic film, is turned off for a color negative film,and indicates "o" for any other type of photo film. The four digits23c-23f also indicate ISO sensitivity of the photo film. When thevarious switches inside the button cover 28 are operated, the date andtime in the LCD panel 22 can be adjusted, and a designated one ofcaptions or comments can be indicated in the eight digits 23a-23h .

As depicted in FIG. 34, the camera 2 incorporates a microprocessor orCPU (central processing unit) 56 and an EEPROM (electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory) 54 as a non-volatile semiconductormemory. CPU 56 executes previously determined control programs, andcontrols the photograph-taking operation, the adjusting operation of theswitch group 202, and the indicating operation of the LCD panel 22.EEPROM 54 stores various data required by CPU 56 for the control.

In FIG. 35, CPU 56 includes a display control section 80, a motorcontrol section 82, a cassette type determiner section 84, and a clock86.

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, the cassette CFL is hereinafter described. InFIG. 4A, the cassette CFL is viewed from the side of the data disk DD.In FIG. 4B, the cassette CFL is upside down, and viewed from the side offour indicia holes representing the photo film status.

In FIG. 3, the cassette CFL includes the spool 100, shell halves 102 and104, the cassette shutter 106 and a lock member 108. The spool 100 hasthe silver salt photo film FLM (See FIG. 4A). The shell halves 102 and104 are fitted together in a cylindrical shape to contain the spool 100.The cassette shutter 106 is contained in a photo film passage port orslot OP between the shell halves 102 and 104. The lock member 108 isshiftable to block and release rotation of the spool 100 in associationwith the cassette shutter 106.

The spool 100 has circular flanges 110 and 112 formed integrallytherewith. The data disk DD having a rotary bar code is located near toan outer face of the flange 110. A gear portion 114 and a statusindicator tongue 116 of white color are located near to an outer face ofthe flange 112. The gear portion 114 receives the lock member 108 and isretained in a locked state. The spool 100 is a single piece includingall those portions: the flanges 110 and 112, the data disk DD, the gearportion 114 and the indicator tongue 116.

The data disk DD has a reference position INT as one edge where the barcode starts. Both the reference position INT and the indicator tongue116 have each predetermined direction, so that an angle between them ispreviously recognized.

In FIGS. 4A and 7, the rotary bar code of the data disk DD only has abar code zone 64 of an angle θDD and starting at the reference positionINT. The remaining range of an angle (360°-θDD) is a quiet zone 66without information of the photo film. Bearing holes 118 and 120 areformed by combining the shell halves 102 and 104, and support the spool100 in a rotatable manner. The inside of the photo film cassette CFL isshielded from ambient light by the virtue of the cassette shutter 106and the flanges 110 and 112.

In FIG. 4A and in FIGS. 5 and 6, a rotary bar code of the data disk DDappears through two cutouts 122 and 124 formed in the top end face ofthe shell halves 102 and 104. In FIG. 4B, the cassette CFL is depictedupside down. A bottom end face of the shell halves 102 and 104 has an"x" indicia hole 126, a square indicia hole 127, a circular ("o")indicia hole 128 and a semi-circular ("D") indicia hole 129. Theindicator tongue 116 is stopped behind one of the indicia holes 126-129,to indicate one of four statuses of the photo film FLM. The "x" indiciahole 126 represents an exposed status. The square indicia hole 127represents a developed status. The circular ("o") indicia hole 128represents an unexposed status. The semi-circular ("D") indicia hole 129represents a partially exposed status.

The axial hole 130 on the axis of the flange 110 receives the spooldrive shaft 34 (See FIG. 2). A key groove 130a is formed in the axialhole 130, and fitted on the projection 34a of the spool drive shaft 34,to transmit the rotation of the feeding motor 46 to the spool 100. Theaxial hole 132 is formed at the axis of the cassette shutter 106 toreceive the shutter rotating shaft 36. The cassette shutter 106 isrotated in two directions by the shutter rotating shaft 36, toopen/close the photo film passage port OP.

In FIG. 8, the photo film FLM is provided with a frame 152 by taking anexposure. The reference numeral 152 in FIG. 8 also designates a positionof the exposure aperture which is located between the camera take-upspool 48 and the cassette CFL. The camera 2 has a magnetic informationwriter 150, which writes information to a magnetic recording area 151 ofthe photo film FLM. In FIG. 8A, the photo film FLM structurally includesa support material 68, a silver salt emulsion layer 70 located on anemulsion surface, and a magnetic recording layer 72, which consists of atransparent coating of magnetic material applied to a back surface ofthe support material 68. Details of the photo film FLM and the cassetteCFL are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,745 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,985(corresponding to JP-A 3-75741).

As referred to above, the spool 100 of the cassette CFL is rotatableonly when the cassette shutter 106 is opened in the photo film passageport OP, because of engagement of the lock member 108 and the gearportion 114. For the spool drive shaft 34 to rotate the spool 100, thecassette shutter 106 requires setting in the open state.

In FIGS. 9A-9F, the camera 2 has an opener mechanism for setting openthe cassette shutter 106 before rotating the spool 100.

In the opener mechanism in FIG. 9A, a first cam plate 134 is rotatablein a manner separate from the spool drive shaft 34. A second cam plate136 is rotatable integrally with the shutter rotating shaft 36 andsupported in a camera chassis 2a. A first gear portion 138 is rotatableintegrally with the spool drive shaft 34. A second gear portion 140 isrotatable integrally with the second cam plate 136. A coil spring 142 isdisposed between the camera chassis 2a and the second cam plate 136. Astopper projection 2b projects over the camera chassis 2a and inhibitsthe second cam plate 136 from rotating when the second cam plate 136 hasrotated as much as a predetermined angle. One end of the first cam plate134 is constantly contacted on the lid-opener button 44 depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B.

The operation of the camera of the present invention is described now.To indicate the exposed status at the "x" indicia hole 126 in the usedcassette CFL', the spool drive shaft 34 is rotated and stopped in apredetermined angular position at the end of winding back of the photofilm FLM. The indicator tongue 116 is positioned on the inside of the"x" indicia hole 126. Even after unloading the used cassette CFL' fromthe camera, the spool drive shaft 34 remains so positioned.

FIG. 10A illustrates this status. When the projection 34a of the spooldrive shaft 34 is directed in the angle θ_(EXPOSED), the indicatortongue 116 of the spool 100 is positioned behind the "x" indicia hole126, to indicate the exposed status. After the used cassette CFL' isunloaded from the camera, the projection 34a of the spool drive shaft 34remains directed at the angle θ_(EXPOSED).

In the unused cassette CFL, the key groove 130a in the spool 100 hasbeen stopped in an angular position θ_(UNEXPOSED) to indicate theunexposed status at the circular ("o") indicia hole 128. In FIG. 10B,the indicator tongue 116 is positioned on the inside of the circular("o") indicia hole 128. The direction of θ_(UNEXPOSED) is differentlydetermined from that of θ_(EXPOSED) of the exposed status. For example:

    Δθ=θ.sub.UNEXPOSED -θ.sub.EXPOSED =157°.

When the cassette CFL being unused is loaded in the cassette containingchamber 32, the spool drive shaft 34 is not fitted in the axial hole 130of the spool 100 as illustrated in FIG. 10C. The projection 34ainterferes with an outer edge of the axial hole 130.

Again FIGS. 9A-9F are referred to. When the cassette CFL is loaded intothe camera 2 where the opener mechanism standing by as shown in FIG. 9A,the opener mechanism starts rotation before the spool drive shaft 34 isfitted in the axial hole 130 in the spool 100 as illustrated in FIG.10C.

At first the feeding motor 46 starts rotating in a reverse direction R1of winding back the photo film. The spool drive shaft 34 and the firstgear portion 138 rotate in reverse and together with the feeding motor46. At a lapse of a short time, the first gear portion 138 comes in meshwith the second gear portion 140, so as to rotate the second cam plate136 in a forward direction F1 against the bias of the coil spring 142.The spool drive shaft 34 is also rotating in the reverse direction R1,but has not yet been fitted in the axial hole 130 in the spool 100,which still remains stopped. The shutter rotating shaft 36 is rotated inthe forward direction F1 with the second cam plate 136, to start openingthe cassette shutter 106.

The second cam plate 136 rotates in the forward direction F1 in thecourse of rotation of the feeding motor 46 in the reverse direction R1.The cassette shutter 106 opens completely. In FIG. 9C, force of the coilspring 142 to the second cam plate 136 is changed from a first directionto an opposite direction, so that the open state of the cassette shutter106 is kept even after the first gear portion 138 comes away from thesecond gear portion 140. Then the projection 34a of the spool driveshaft 34 is received in the key groove 130a in the spool 100, which isrotated in the reverse direction R1.

It follows that the spool drive shaft 34 has been oriented in theposition θ_(EXPOSED) in insertion of the cassette CFL being unused. Theopener mechanism effects mechanical control of rotating the spool 100only after opening the cassette shutter 106. The cassette CFL isprevented from being damaged. The photo film FLM is prevented from beingjammed.

The cassette shutter 106 being opened in this manner, a DEP₋₋ DD routineis executed to read the rotary bar code of the data disk DD optically.The feeding motor 46 is rotated forwards to feed out the unexposed photofilm FLM through the photo film passage port OP toward the exposureaperture.

In FIGS. 9D, 9E and 9F, the cassette shutter 106 is being closed. InFIG. 9D, the photo film FLM after taking all exposures has been woundback into the cassette shell. The cassette shutter 106 is open, becausethe used cassette CFL' still lies in the camera 2 before the unloading.

In FIG. 9E, when the user slides the lid-opener button 44 in a directionZ, the first cam plate 134 rotates in a direction F2. A cam projection144 pushes an end of the second cam plate 136, which is rotated in adirection R2 against the bias of the coil spring 142. The force of thecoil spring 142 to the second cam plate 136 is changed back from theopposite direction to the first direction, so that the cassette shutter106 connected to the second cam plate 136 is immediately closed asillustrated in FIG. 9F. Accordingly the cassette shutter 106 is finallyclosed before unloading of the used cassette CFL' from the camera 2. Thephoto film FLM is prevented from being subjected to ambient light.

The used cassette CFL' after exposures is controlled to have indicationat the "x" indicia hole 126. As described above, the projection 34a ofthe spool drive shaft 34 is stopped at the angle θ_(EXPOSED).

Referring to FIGS. 11A-19, the general operation of the camera 2 isdescribed. CPU 56 incorporated in the camera 2 executes a controlprogram previously stored by following the routines below.

FIG. 11A illustrates a main routine, according to which CPU 56 effectsvarious controls upon operation of the respective switches disposedoutside the camera 2.

The SM switch 16 is depressed for powering the camera 2. It is detectedat S100 in the flow as depicted whether the state of the SM switch 16 ischanged. Then a SM switch routine of S110 for the SM switch 16 isexecuted. If the camera 2 has been turned on before S100, then thecamera 2 is powered. If the camera 2 has been turned off before S100,then the camera 2 is turned off. The SM switch 16 consists of apushbutton, which is pushed for one time to turn on or off the camera 2,and which is pushed for two times to return the camera 2 to the statebefore operation of the SM switch 16.

An output of the SCC switch of the lid 30 is checked at S120. It isevaluated at S120 whether and how the state of the SCC switch ischanged. If the lid 30 is changed from the closed state to the openstate, an SCC opened routine of S130 is executed. If the lid 30 ischanged from the open state to the closed state, an SCC closed routineof S140 is executed.

If there is no operation of opening/closing the lid 30, it is evaluatedat S150 whether the SMR switch is closed. If it is, then a Rewindroutine of S160 is executed to wind the entirety of the photo film FLMback into the cassette CFL in a forcible manner even when the photo filmFLM is partially exposed. When the shutter release button 14 isdepressed, it is detected at S170 that the SP1 switch is closed. ARelease routine of S180 is executed to effect exposure by driving theshutter device 14a. When the zoom lever 20 is pushed in the Telephotodirection, it is detected at S190 that the STELE switch is closed. ATelephoto zooming routine of S200 is executed to shift the lens barrel 4in the Telephoto direction, and additionally to effect automatic focuscontrol and exposure control. When the zoom lever 20 is pushed in theWide-angle direction, it is detected at S210 that the SWIDE switch isclosed. A Wide-angle zooming routine of S220 is executed to shift thelens barrel 4 in the Wide-angle direction, and additionally to effectautomatic focus control and exposure control.

In FIG. 11B, it is evaluated at S230 whether the SMODE switch 18 isclosed. Upon the closing, a Flash mode set routine of S240 is executedto indicate information of flash charging and a flash mode in the LCDpanel 22. It is evaluated at S250 whether a self-timer switch or SSELFswitch is closed. Upon the closing, a Self mode set routine of S260 isexecuted to set a self mode in which a photograph can be taken with aself timer. It is evaluated at S270 whether an SDMODE switch is closed.Upon the closing, a Date mode set routine of S280 is executed to set adate mode, in which there is an indication of a year, month, day, hourand minute of a date in digits of the LCD panel 22. It is evaluated atS290 whether the SDSEL switch is closed. Upon the closing, a Date digitdesignate routine of S300 is executed to designate one of the eightdigits of the LCD panel 22. It is evaluated at S310 whether the SDSETswitch is closed. Upon the closing, a Data digit adjust routine of S320is executed to adjust a selected one of the eight digits of the LCDpanel 22.

Those routines are effected by executing programs in forms ofsub-routines. Upon an end of each routines, the operation restarts fromS100.

The SCC opened routine of S130 and the SCC closed routine of S140 arebased upon detection of opening or closing of the lid 30 in associationwith loading or unloading the cassette CFL. Those routines have purposesof starting basic processes in accordance with presence or absence ofthe cassette CFL.

The SCC opened routine of S130 is according to the flow of FIG. 13. AtS1302, a voltage of the battery as power source is detected. At S1304,the SCT output of the SCT switch 40 is read. At S1306, the output of theSCT switch 40 is evaluated to determine whether the cassette CFL isloaded in the cassette containing chamber 32. If it is, the cassette CFLis estimated as a used cassette CFL' which a user is about to remove.Then the SCC routine is ended without any further steps.

If it is detected at S1306 that no cassette is loaded, then it isevaluated at S1308 whether the count of frames is "S" in accordance withframe count data stored in EEPROM 54. The frame count data is datarepresenting the number of remaining unexposed frames.

The sign "S" means the frame count "0" (zero). When the cassette CFLbeing entirely unused is removed from the cassette containing chamber32, "S" is written to EEPROM 54 in response to turning off the SCTswitch 40. If it is detected at S1308 that the count of frames is "S",then no cassette CFL is detected. At S1312, both the cassette indicia CMand the count are turned off in the LCD panel 22. At S1314, the countzero is stored to EEPROM 54 (S=0). Also standard photo film informationis stored to other regions of EEPROM 54, before ending the routine. Thestandard photo film information herein is default information includingISO 200 as photo film speed, 40 as number of available frames, and colornegative type as photo film type.

If the count of frames is not "S" at S1308, then EEPROM 54 is accessedat S1310 and it is evaluated whether the count of frames is "E" inaccordance with the frame count data stored in EEPROM 54. The framecount data is data representing a number of remaining unexposed frames.

The sign "E" represents a fact of previous unloading of the usedcassette CFL' in the course of use of the camera 2. When the photo filmFLM being exposed is entirely wound back, "E" is written to EEPROM 54 assoon as the indicator tongue 116 is positioned at the "x" indicia hole126. If it is detected at S1310 that the count of frames is "E", then itis confirmed that the used cassette CFL' has been removed from thecamera. The steps of S1312 and S1314 are executed similarly, beforeending the routine.

If the count of the pulses is not "E" at S1310, then it is detected thatthe lid 30 is moved in an opening or closing direction directly afterpurchase of the camera 2 and without any insertion of a the cassetteCFL. The routine is terminated without further operation.

The SCC opened routine is a routine in which it is evaluated if thecassette CFL is unloaded or not after exposures.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart illustrating changes in voltage of outputs ofthe SCC switch and the SCT switch 40, which are monitored by CPU 56. InFIG. 12, the lid 30 is opened at a time t1, at which the SCC outputchanges from a "High" level to a "Low" level. CPU 56 detects thisrepeatedly at a predetermined period, for example 250 msecapproximately. Then the SCC opened routine is started. At a time t2, thelid 30 is opened for unloading the cassette CFL. The SCT output of theSCT switch 40 changes from the "High" level to the "Low" level. This isdetected by CPU 56 similarly. At a time t3, the SCT output of the SCTswitch 40 becomes zero. Then unloading of the cassette CFL is detected.

When both outputs of the SCC switch and the SCT switch 40 are "Low", itis detected that no cassette CFL is loaded in the camera 2. At a timet4, the cassette CFL is loaded to change the output of the SCT switch 40from the "Low" level to the "High" level. At a time t5, the lid 30 isclosed to cause detection of loading of the cassette CFL.

Again in FIG. 11A, if it is detected at S120 that the SCC switch isclosed, then the SCC closed routine of S140 is executed. See FIG. 14illustrating a flow of the SCC closed routine.

In FIG. 14, the battery voltage is detected at S1402 in the SCC closedroutine. At S1404, the SCT output, either "High" or "Low", is read. AtS1406, it is evaluated from the SCT output whether the cassette CFL isnewly loaded.

Referring to FIG. 12, the SCT output of the SCT switch 40 is "High" atthe time t5. It is detected that the cassette CFL is loaded newly. AtS1404 of FIG. 14, the SCT output is read. If the SCT output goes "High",it is detected at S1406 that the cassette CFL is loaded in the cassettecontaining chamber 32 after closing the lid 30. Then operation of S1412is effected.

If the SCT output of the SCT switch 40 goes "Low", it is detected atS1406 that no cassette CFL is loaded in the cassette containing chamber32 while the lid 30 is closed. Then operation of S1408 is effected.

At S1408, both the cassette indicia CM and the count of the frame numberare kept turned off in the LCD panel 22, to display absence of acassette CFL. At S1410, the standard photo film information is writtento EEPROM 54. Then the SCC closed routine is ended.

In short, if the lid 30 is closed and if no cassette CFL is loaded, thenno operation occurs for taking an exposure. The feeding motor 46 and thespool drive shaft 34 remain stopped and stand by. The projection 34a ofthe spool drive shaft 34 stands directed at the angle θ_(EXPOSED). Whenthe cassette CFL is loaded next, it is possible to open the cassetteshutter 106 before rotating the spool 100.

The flow including S1406, S1408 and S1410 is used for reliable detectionof a simple movement of the lid 30 in absence of the cassette CFL. Theprojection 34a of the spool drive shaft 34 is kept in the position ofθ_(EXPOSED) without moving away incidentally therefrom. This iseffective in successfully taking exposures after loading next cassetteCFL.

If it is detected at S1406 that the cassette CFL is loaded, then thecassette indicia CM is turned on at S1412 in the LCD panel 22 forinformation to a user.

Then the frame count data in EEPROM 54 is checked at S1414, where it isevaluated whether the count of frames is "E". If so, it is detected thatthe lid 30 is simply moved in an opened or closed direction with theused cassette CFL' inserted. At S1416, the standard photo filminformation is stored to EEPROM 54. The SCC closed routine is ended.

At S1414, if it is detected that the count of frames is not "E", then itis evaluated at S1418 whether the count of frames is "S". If it isdetected that the count of frames is not "S", then it is recognized thatthe photo film FLM is partially exposed and partially unexposed in thecassette CFL in the camera 2. Consequently it is estimated that the lid30 is erroneously opened despite remaining frames of the photo film FLMin the camera 2. The photo film FLM is possibly fogged by ambient light.The Rewind routine of S1420 is effected to wind back the photo film FLMinto the cassette CFL automatically. The SCC closed routine is ended.

If the count of frames is "S" at S1418, then it is confirmed that thecassette CFL is normally loaded in the cassette containing chamber 32and the lid 30 is closed. This is because, when the cassette CFL isnormally loaded, the frame count data in EEPROM 54 is set as S=0 (zero)in synchronism with closing of the SCT switch 40. Then at S1422, thebattery voltage is checked to remain enough. Then the DEP₋₋ DD routineis effected, in which the data disk DD of the cassette CFL is read.

The DEP₋₋ DD routine is depicted in FIG. 15. The SCC closed routine ofFIG. 14 does not detect the cassette CFL any more from the shape orcontour of the cassette CFL according to the SCC switch or the SCTswitch 40. It is necessary to check acceptability of the cassette CFL asloaded. For this check, the rotary bar code of the data disk DD is readfor recognizing the photo film information by executing the DEP₋₋ DDroutine of FIG. 15.

At S1430, the feeding motor 46 of the spool drive shaft 34 startsrotating in reverse. In FIGS. 9A-9C, the cassette shutter 106 is openedby rotation of the second cam plate 136 and the shutter rotating shaft36. The spool drive shaft 34 is fitted in the axial hole 130 in thespool 100, which is rotated in reverse. The data disk DD is rotated inthe same direction.

At S1432, the data disk DD is read optically by the bar code reader 38while the data disk DD is caused to make two rotations for example. Twosets of data being read are stored in CPU 56 in a temporary manner. AtS1434, the bar code data is analyzed by comparing the data from thefirst rotation is compared with that from the second rotation, toconfirm correctness of reading upon detecting coincidence of the data.Also at S1434, the data being correctly read is identified by the typedeterminer section 84 referring to a plurality of preset bar code dataaccording to the standards defined in the camera.

In short, the bar code consists of an arranged set of wide black bars,narrow black bars, wide voids and narrow voids in accordance with thestandards of the photo film cassette. Detailed description of the barcode is herein omitted. If a bar code of a certain cassette is notconsistent to the standards determined in the camera 2, it is detectedat S1436 that the inserted cassette is not normal. If it is detected atS1436 that the cassette CFL is normal, succeeding steps including S1446are executed.

If it is detected at S1436 that the data is not normal but eitherdefective, incompatible to the standards, or different from the IX240type, then at S1438, the data disk DD is read again. At S1440, the barcode data is analyzed again. It is evaluated at S1442 whether the dataafter S1440 is normal. If it is, the step of S1446 is executed.

If it is detected at S1442 for the second time that the data is notnormal but either defective or incompatible to the standards, then thefeeding motor 46 of the spool drive shaft 34 is stopped at S1444. A VEIroutine is effected before terminating operation of the camera 2. TheVEI routine is described later in detail.

The VEI routine is originally constructed as a routine for winding theexposed photo film back into the cassette CFL to cause a user to unloadthe cassette CFL. But the VEI routine is executed also when unacceptableor incompatible data is read at S1442, or if a cassette having the sameshape as the cassette CFL but different purposes of use in other imaginginstruments be inserted and handled by the DEP₋₋ DD routine, or when aphoto film cassette without printing of bar code data. Accordingly, inresponse to detection of insertion of those unacceptable cassettes, theVEI routine is forcibly executed to stop the exposure operation, whileinhibiting an FFS routine for feeding the photo film.

When the bar code data being read is normal at S1436, then the feedingmotor 46 of the spool drive shaft 34 is stopped at S1446. At S1448,EEPROM 54 is accessed to rewrite the frame count data as S=0 therein. AtS1450, the LCD panel 22 is driven to indicate the bar code data of theISO sensitivity and the photo film type in addition to the cassetteindicia CM. Then the FFS routine for one-frame feeding of the photo filmFLM is started.

The FFS routine is effected according to the flow of FIG. 16. At S1460,a perforation sensor in the camera 2 is caused have an active state. AtS1462, the feeding motor 46 of the spool drive shaft 34 is rotatedforwards. The spool 100 is rotated forwards, to start feeding the photofilm FLM through the photo film port OP toward the exposure aperture.The take-up spool 48 rotated by the feeding motor 46 (See FIG. 36) takesup the leader of the photo film FLM and winds it thereabout.

At S1464, perforations and photo film surface of the photo film FLM aredetected by detecting an amount of reflected light from the photo filmFLM. At S1466, it is evaluated in CPU 56 whether a perforation existsupon abrupt decrease of the reflected light. At S1468, the feeding motor46 of the spool drive shaft 34 and the take-up spool 48 is stopped bythe motor control section 82. A first frame of the photo film FLM is seton the exposure aperture. Then at S1470, information of the availablenumber of unexposed frames is displayed on the LCD panel 22. The FFSroutine is ended.

In short, when the cassette CFL being normal is loaded, the photo filminformation is read through the DEP₋₋ DD routine, before the FFS routinefor standing by for an exposure to a first frame.

In this standby state, the user depresses the shutter release button 14.In FIG. 1, the Release routine at S180 is executed according to the flowof FIG. 17.

In the Release routine, an exposure is taken at S1802 by driving theshutter device 14a after the automatic focus control and exposurecontrol. Then at S1804, the feeding motor 46 of the spool drive shaft 34is rotated forwards. At S1806, a perforation and a photo film surfaceare detected optically by the perforation sensor. It is evaluated atS1808 whether a perforation exists by CPU 56 detecting an abruptdecrease of the sensor output. When one perforation exists, then atS1810 the feeding motor 46 of the spool drive shaft 34 is stopped andstands by. At S1812, the frame count data of remaining available framesis stored to EEPROM 54. At S1814, the number information of the framesis displayed in the LCD panel 22.

At S1816, it is evaluated whether all exposures to the available frameshave been taken. If not, namely if there are remaining frames, then theRelease routine is ended so as to stand by for next operation of theuser. Upon depression of the shutter release button 14 for a secondtime, the operation is effected again according to S1802.

If it is detected at S1816 that all exposures to the available frameshave been taken, then the Rewind routine is executed automatically.

The Rewind routine is effected in a manner similar to the forcibleoperation at S160 in FIG. 1. To be precise, the VEI routine is effectedaccording to FIGS. 18 and 19.

At S1602 in FIG. 18, the feeding motor 46 of the spool drive shaft 34 isrotated in reverse for rotating the spool 100 in this direction. Thephoto film FLM is wound back. It is optically evaluated at S1604 whetherthe photo film FLM is fully contained. If so, then at S1606 the feedingmotor 46 of the spool drive shaft 34 is further rotated in reverse for apredetermined time, and then is stopped. The step of S1606 is effectivein finally winding the entirety of the photo film FLM about the spool100. The cassette shutter 106 still remains open.

The VEI routine is depicted in detail in FIG. 19.

At S1610 of FIG. 19, the frame count data in EEPROM 54 is checked. AtS1612, the feeding motor 46 of the spool drive shaft 34 is rotated inreverse again, for reverse rotation of the spool 100.

At S1614, the data disk DD is read in a manner similar to the DEP₋₋ DDroutine above. The bar code data and the quiet zone 66 of the data diskDD are read by the bar code reader 38. At S1616, the position INT isdetected as a border between the bar code data and the quiet zone 66.The detection of the reference position INT is effected as follows:While the quiet zone 66 is detected, the output of the bar code reader38 is "Low" for a sufficiently long time. While the bar code dataincluding black and void portions is detected, the output of the barcode reader 38 becomes "Low" and "High" in a shortly alternate manner.CPU 56 monitors those changes in the output of the bar code reader 38.Upon detecting a change to the "High" level after long time of the "Low"level, CPU 56 determines a position of the reference position INT. Atthe same time CPU 56 sets a count N_(INT) according to pulses from thephoto interrupter. In FIG. 10B, an angle θ_(I) defined between thereference position INT and the position θ_(EXPOSED) is unchanged. Avalue N is also constant, as the number of pulses output from the photointerrupter for rotation as much as the angle θ_(I). Accordingly thenumber N of pulses required for directing the indicator tongue 116 tothe "x" indicia hole 126 is calculated according to the followingequation:

    N=N.sub.INT +N.sub.I

At S1618, pulses are counted. It is evaluated at S1620 whether the countof frames is "N" according to pulses from the photo interrupter. Whenthe count of frames becomes "N", then at S1622 the feeding motor 46 ofthe spool drive shaft 34 is s topped. T he indicator tongue 116 isstopped at the "x" indicia hole 126, to indicate the status of a usedcassette CFL'. The projection 34a of the spool drive shaft 34 is alsodirected at the angle of θ_(EXPOSED). Even when the used cassette CFL'is unloaded from the camera 2, the spool drive shaft 34 remains orientedat θ_(EXPOSED), Next acceptable unused cassette CFL being loaded, it ispossible as described with FIGS. 9A-9F to rotate the spool 100 afteropening the cassette shutter 106, and to effect exposures in a normalmanner. At S1624, the frame count data of "E", which represents thestatus of the used cassette CFL', is stored to EEPROM 54. At S1626, thesign "E" is displayed in the LCD panel 22 to indicate the end of thewinding back. The VEI routine is ended. Note that, when a used cassetteCFL is unloaded, changes in the outputs of the SCC switch and the SCTswitch 40 are detected to turn off the cassette indicia CM and the sign"E" in the LCD panel 22, to inform the absence of the cassette CFL.

In short, the VEI routine is a routine for stopping the spool whileorienting the indicator tongue 116 at the angle θ_(EXPOSED) to indicatethe exposed status with the "x" indicia hole 126. The sign "E" is alsoindicated in the LCD panel 22 to inform a user of the exposed status.

The user unloads the used cassette CFL' and loads an unused cassetteCFL. The main routine of FIG. 1 is repeated to take another exposure.

When it is detected in the DEP₋₋ DD routine of FIG. 15 that a wrongcassette inconsistent to the standard determined in the camera 2, thenthe VEI routine is forcibly started. In a manner similar to the usedcassette CFL', the exposed status with the "x" indicia hole 126 isindicated. The projection 34a of the spool drive shaft 34 is stopped atthe angle θ_(EXPOSED). Even after the wrong cassette is inserted, it ispossible upon insertion of next normal cassette to cause the spool 100to rotate after opening the cassette shutter 106. Exposures can be takenreliably.

As described heretofore, the present invention is effective in avoidingdamaging a photo film cassette. This is because, if a cassetteincompatible to the standards, this status is detected by the DEP₋₋ DDroutine, to execute the VEI routine without effecting the FFS routine.The spool drive shaft 34 is stopped in the position θ_(EXPOSED). Anormal cassette CFL is inserted next. Before reverse rotation of thespool for the DEP₋₋ DD routine, the opener mechanism opens the cassetteshutter 106 to set the spool 100 rotatable. The spool drive shaft 34 isfitted on the spool 100 to rotate the data disk DD in the reversedirection.

The present invention is applicable to operation in which, when the lid30 is moved in the opening or closing direction without inserting anycassette in the cassette containing chamber 32, the absence of acassette is detected by effecting the DEP₋₋ DD routine. It is possiblethat the VEI routine is used to cause the spool drive shaft 34 to makeone rotation, so as to stop the spool in the position of the angleθ_(EXPOSED).

In this construction, the spool drive shaft 34 is rotated even when nocassette CFL is loaded. After rotation of the spool drive shaft 34, theprojection 34a is inevitably directed at the angle θ_(EXPOSED). Whennext cassette CFL is loaded, the opener mechanism opens the cassetteshutter 106 to set the spool 100 rotatable. The spool drive shaft 34 isfitted on the spool 100 to rotate the data disk DD in the reversedirection for reading of the data disk DD. Consequently the presentinvention is effective in avoiding damaging a photo film cassette CFL.

The camera 2 includes the SCC switch for detecting open/closed states ofthe lid 30 and the SCT switch 40 for detecting existence of the cassetteCFL, so as to recognize a using manner of a user. It is possible in thepresent invention that an exposure can be taken only when the usingmanner is acceptable. The LCD panel 22 indicates an error in an user'soperation to inform him or her of it immediately.

If a user opens or closes the lid 30 without loading a cassette CFL, thelack of the cassette is detected according to the output of to theoutput of the SCT switch, so as not to effect the DEP₋₋ DD routine. Thespool drive shaft 34 is stopped in the position θ_(EXPOSED). A normalcassette CFL is inserted next. Before reverse rotation of the spool forthe DEP₋₋ DD routine, the opener mechanism opens the cassette shutter106 to set the spool 100 rotatable. The spool drive shaft 34 is fittedon the spool 100 to rotate the data disk DD in the reverse direction.This being so, it is possible to avoid damaging a photo film cassette.

Presence and absence of the cassette CFL are indicated by turning on andoff the cassette indicia CM in the LCD panel 22. This is convenient inthe use of the camera.

The states of the SCC switch and the SCT switch 40 can be monitored bythe programmed control of CPU 56, so as to simplify the camerastructurally.

It is also advantageous in the present invention to operate the openermechanism and the spool drive shaft 34 as depicted in FIGS. 9A-9C in thecourse of inserting the cassette CFL into the cassette containingchamber 32. The spool drive shaft 34 set at the angle θ_(EXPOSED) beforeuse of the camera is simply rotated as an initial step. The cassetteshutter 106 is opened while the spool drive shaft 34 is rotated. Thespool drive shaft 34 becomes connected to the spool 100 having the angleθ_(UNEXPOSED) either when or after the cassette shutter 106 is opened.In conclusion, the cassette shutter 106 becomes open before the start ofrotating the spool 100. The leader of the photo film FLM is allowed tomove away from the roll and toward the cassette shutter 106 only afterthe cassette shutter 106 opens fully inside the photo film passage portOP. This is advantageous in avoiding jamming the leader of the photofilm FLM inside the photo film passage port OP, typically in the IX240type of which the leader is advanced to the outside by rotation of thespool 100.

In the operation of FIGS. 9A-9C, the spool drive shaft 34 is rotated inthe direction to wind back the photo film while the cassette shutter 106rotates from the closed position to the open position, and until thespool drive shaft 34 becomes connected to the spool 100. The motor 46 isrotated in reverse. The present invention is applicable to aconstruction in which the spool drive shaft 34 is rotated in thedirection to unwind the photo film while the cassette shutter 106rotates from the closed position to the open position, and until thespool drive shaft 34 becomes connected to the spool 100. The motor 46 isrotated forwards.

In the DEP₋₋ DD routine above, the motor 46 is rotated in reverse,namely rotated in the direction to wind back the photo film. The presentinvention is applicable to a construction in which the motor 46 isrotated in the forward direction, namely the photo film unwindingdirection, in the DEP₋₋ DD routine reading the bar code.

It is to be noted additionally that, when the used cassette CFL' ofwhich the spool 100 has the position of θ_(EXPOSED) is inserted, thecamera 2 detects the used cassette CFL' upon detection of the quiet zone66 at the bar code reader 38. Then the used cassette CFL' is removablewhile the Release routine of S180 is inhibited.

In the above embodiment, the spool drive shaft 34 is stopped to set thespool 11 at the angle θ_(EXPOSED) when the type determiner section 84 ofCPU 56 detects lack of the cassette CFL or existence of a cassettedifferent from the predetermined type IX240. The present invention isapplicable to a construction in which the spool drive shaft 34 isstopped to set the spool 11 at the angle θ_(EXPOSED) when the typedeterminer section 84 of CPU 56 detects that the rotary bar code on thedata disk DD is defective and improperly read, or that the bar codereader 38 reads any improper information distinct from the existence ofthe predetermined type IX240 of the cassette CFL.

In the above embodiment, the spool drive shaft 34 is stopped to set thespool 11 at the angle θ_(EXPOSED). The present invention is applicableto a construction in which the spool drive shaft 34 is stopped to setthe spool 11 at any predetermined angle different from the angleθ_(UNEXPOSED).

In the above embodiment, the predetermined type of the cassette CFL isthe IX240 type. The present invention is applicable to any predeterminedtype of photo film cassette. Also, the predetermined type of photo filmcassette may be a category including the IX240 type and certain typesdifferent from the IX240 type.

It is to be noted that, in FIGS. 4B and 6, the "x" indicia hole 126 andthe circular ("o") indicia hole 128 are depicted in positions of astraight angle or 180°, but are actually arranged positions of 157°,which is equal to θ_(UNEXPOSED) -θ_(EXPOSED) according to which thespool 100 is rotated. The circular ("o") indicia hole 128 is actuallylocated nearer to the cassette shutter 106 than depicted, and is notdirectly above the spool 100 and the "x"indicia hole 126.

A set of externally operable buttons inside the button cover 28 aredescribed hereinafter in detail with reference to FIGS. 20-34. Thosebuttons are associated with various switches to input commands. Elementssimilar to those in the above description are referred to with identicalreference numerals.

At #102 in the flow of FIG. 20, a user opens the lid 30 of FIG. 2A. At#104, the cassette CFL is inserted in the cassette containing chamber32. At #106, the lid 30 is closed. In the camera, the SCC switch isdisposed to be turned on/off by movement of a retainer lever forretaining the lid 30, and detects opening/closing movement of the lid30. The SCT switch 40 is moved by the top end of the cassette CFL, todetect insertion of the cassette CFL. At #108, the camera evaluateswhether the cassette CFL is loaded.

If it is detected at #108 that no cassette CFL is loaded, then thecamera comes to stand by at #110, without further steps of the routine.If it is detected at #108 that the cassette CFL is loaded, then at #112the motor 46 of the photo film feeding mechanism 204 (See FIG. 34) isrotated in reverse. The bar code reader 38 is rotated in reverse. Theshutter rotating shaft 36 is rotated to open the cassette shutter 106 ofFIGS. 5 and 6 at #114.

As the data disk DD rotates with the spool 100, the bar code reader 38reads the bar code on the data disk DD. The initial rotational positionof the data disk DD is previously stored with reference to the positionof the bar code reader 38 and for each of the used status of the photofilm, including the unexposed and exposed status. At #116, VEIinformation (visual exposure index information) read first. Note thatthe VEI information herein consists of an initial cassette statusdirectly prior to rotating the data disk DD. A transition number, whichis the number of changes between black bars and voids according to theoutput of the bar code reader 38, is monitored. The transition numberafter the start of the data disk DD and before first detection of thequiet zone 66 is obtained so as to recognize the initial cassettestatus, for the purpose of detecting the used status of the cassetteCFL. After #116, the photo film information is read at #118 from the barcode on the data disk DD, including the photo film type. The steps of#116 and #118 constitutes the DEP₋₋ DD routine.

After reading the photo film information, the motor 46 of the photo filmfeeding mechanism 204 is rotated forwards at #120. The photo film startsbeing fed, and advanced out of the cassette shell while the cassetteshutter 106 is open. At #122 of FIG. 21, the photo film FLM is fed toset the first frame 152. This frame setting operation is referred to asthe FFS routine.

Then photographs are taken in an ordinary manner. At #124, the useroperates the release switch to take an exposure. Then the spool driveshaft 34 rotates to set next frame 152 at #126. At #128, anotherexposure is taken.

Those steps of #126 and #128 are repeated until all exposures are takenon the photo film FLM. When it is detected at #130 that all exposuresare taken, then at #132 the motor 46 of the photo film feeding mechanism204 is rotated in reverse, to wind back the photo film into the cassetteCFL. When it is detected at #134 that all the photo film FLM is rewound,the step of the rewinding is ended. At #136, the spool 100 is stopped inthe predetermined angular upon finish of the rewinding. The indicatortongue 116 is stopped at the "x" indicia hole 126, to indicate thestatus of a used cassette CFL'. When the user pushes the lid-openerbutton 44 at #138 to open the lid 30, the shutter rotating shaft 36rotates with the lid-opener button 44, to close the cassette shutter 106at #140. At #142, the used cassette CFL' is unloaded from the cassettecontaining chamber 32.

In the camera, the photo film information read from the data disk DD isdisplayed in the LCD panel 22 in the following manner.

After ending the DEP₋₋ DD routine and the FFS routine for the cassetteCFL being loaded, the LCD panel 22 indicates the date, the availableframe number and the like as illustrated in FIG. 22. The date isdetermined according to an output of the clock 86. "'9 5 1 2 3 1" meansthe 31st day of December, 1995. "40" means the available frame number."F" and "B" are signs for printing status of the indicated date. "F"means the front printing, and "B" means the back printing. In theexample of FIG. 22, the day, month and year in the LCD panel 22 areprinted on front and back surfaces. The cassette indicia CM appears inthis example, and indicates that the cassette CFL is loaded in thecassette containing chamber 32.

When the shutter release button 14 (See FIG. 1) is depressed onlyhalfway, the display control section 80 operates so that the ISO speedand the photo film type are displayed in the LCD panel 22 instead of thedate on the condition of standing by for an exposure, as illustrated inFIGS. 23A-23D. In the digit next to the number 400 as ISO speed (thedigit 23b of FIG. 2B), there appear "P" for a reversal film, "b", for amonochromatic film, nothing for a color negative film, and "o" for anyother type of photo film. When the shutter release button 14 is fullydepressed, responsively the date similar to that in FIG. 22 is displayedin the LCD panel 22 instead of the photo film information. The framenumber is now 39 instead of 40.

The combinations of depressions of the buttons for changes of the modesand adjustment are as follows.

When the button cover 28 in FIG. 2A is opened horizontally tally, a Dbutton 241, a PQ button 242 and an ST button 243 appears as illustratedin FIG. 25. To change the date, the D button 241 is pushed. Each timethe D button 241 is pushed, the date being displayed is changedsuccessively as illustrated in FIG. 26. When the date is turned off, thedisplay returns to its initial state of the date, and repeats thesuccessive changes. In FIG. 26, 'Y-Y represents a two-digit position ofa year value, M--M a position of a month value, D--D a position of a dayvalue, H--H a position of an hour value and N--N a position of a minutevalue. In FIG. 24, the LCD panel 22 indicates the time, the availableframe number and the like without the day, month or year.

In the flow of FIG. 27, the D button 241 is kept pushed for two seconds.Then a Date display mode is changed to a Date adjust mode. The LCD panel22 indicates in an initialized status. At first the digits for the"year", which are indicated by Y--Y in FIG. 27, are caused to blink at afrequency of 2 Hz. Similarly the remaining digits will be caused toblink at the frequency of 2 Hz. Each time the ST button 243 is pushed,the year value is stepped up from n to n+1. If the ST button 243 is keptpushed for one second, the year value is stepped up one by oneconsecutively at a frequency of 125 msec. When a desired value appears,the PQ button 242 is pushed to cause the digits for the "month" toblink, which are indicated by M--M. In short, the PQ button 242 consistsof a switch for locally designating a two-digit region in the Dateadjust mode. The ST button 243 consists of a switch for adjusting adigit in the Date adjust mode.

Accordingly the month, day, hour and minute are adjusted by pushing theD button 241, the PQ button 242 and the ST button 243. After finishingadjustment of the date, the D button 241 is pushed to end the Dateadjust mode to return the LCD panel 22 to the Date display mode of FIG.22.

The present camera is capable of writing information to the magneticrecording layer 72 and in the magnetic recording area 151 (See FIGS. 8and 8A), regarding printing operation, including the number of prints tobe produced from each frame. The information writing is hereinafterdescribed.

To determine the number PQ of prints to be produced, a PQ number mode isused, which is now described with reference to FIG. 28. When the PQbutton 242 is pushed in the Date display mode, the LCD panel 22 ischanged from the date to the print number. When the print number isindicated as illustrated in FIG. 28, nothing appears in three uppermostdigits of the date. A sign "P" is indicated in the fourth uppermostdigit. The PQ number is indicated in at least one of the two lowestdigits. Immediately after the PQ number mode is started, the PQ numberis "1" as an initial value. Each time the PQ button 242 is pushed, thePQ number is incrementally stepped as 2, 3, 4 and so on. After the PQnumber becomes up to 10, it becomes zero (0) and again 1. The PQ numberis changed cyclically. When the PQ number is zero, it means that noprint is produced from the frame with that information. After the PQnumber is determined as intended by the user, he takes an exposure byturning on the SP1 switch of the shutter release button 14. Then thephoto film FLM is moved by the pitch of one frame, while the magneticinformation writer 150 of FIG. 8 writes the print number to the magneticrecording area 151 together with information of the date on which theexposure is taken. After the one-frame feeding, the PQ number mode isended to return to the Date display mode automatically. The PQ number inthe camera is set again as 1.

When an exposure is taken in the PQ number mode, printing information iswritten to the magnetic recording area 151. The printing informationincludes the photographing date, letters or signs designated forprinting, and the PQ number. In the camera, the printing informationregarding a preceding frame is written to the EEPROM 54 in FIG. 34.

In FIG. 34, a reference numeral 202 designates the switch groupincluding the various switches. The flash device inside the flash device10 includes a flash circuit 208 and a flash control circuit 210. CPU 56sends the flash device 10 a charge start signal, and receives a chargefinish signal from the flash device 10 upon the finish of charging. Inthe flash device 10, the flash control circuit 210 receives a flashstart signal from CPU 56, and drives the flash circuit 208 to emitflash. When the flash control circuit 210 receives a flash finish signalfrom CPU 56, the flash circuit 208 is stopped from emitting flash. CPU56 sends a power supply 212 a drive signal when a user's fingerdepresses a flash charge button. The power supply 212 supplies power tothe flash control circuit 210, and to the depression detector 214. Adepression detector 214 sends the LED 12 a depression detecting signal.CPU 56 sends the LED 12 a rangefinding finish signal and aself-photography mode signal. A reference numeral 6A designates anautofocussing device, and 6B a photometry device for auto exposurecontrol. A reference numeral 216 designates a reset circuit, 218 aregulator, and 220 a BC circuit.

The PQ number written to the magnetic recording area 151 is changeableif no frame has been exposed after the frame associated with the PQnumber. A new PQ number can be additionally written to the magneticrecording area 151 if no frame has been exposed after the frameassociated with the initial PQ number. The consecutive operation of thecamera for a Rewriting operation is depicted in FIG. 29. When the PQbutton 242 in the Date display mode is pushed, the PQ number mode isstarted. A PQ number is set by pushing the PQ button 242 as desired.Then the D button 241 is kept pushed for two seconds, so that theRewriting operation is started. The motor 46 of the photo film feedingmechanism 204 is rotated in reverse to move the photo film FLM back byone frame. During this back movement, the magnetic information writer150 magnetically deletes the information initially written to themagnetic recording area 151.

When the photo film FLM is fed to a position of the frame preceding tothe newest frame, the feeding motor is changed in the rotating directionto restart the forward movement. The printing information, including thephotographing date, the letters or signs designated for printing, and anewly determined PQ number, is read from EEPROM 54, and written to themagnetic recording area 151. If a caption has been already selected, thecode of the selected caption is written. After the one-frame feeding,the PQ number mode is ended to return to the Date display modeautomatically. The PQ number is set again to the initial value "1".

An ST select mode is described next, to be used for inserting a captionto a print produced from a frame. In the ST select mode, a message, atitle or a caption is selectively designated from preset examples. Whena frame is printed to produce a print, a selected caption is printed onthe back of the print. The selection operation of the ST select mode ishereinafter described.

In the course of the Date display mode, the ST button 243 is pushed, tochange the LCD panel 22 from the date to the caption setting (ST). Forthe caption setting (ST), TITLE LANGU data is read from EEPROM 54. InFIG. 30, the language code LANGU, such as "13", is indicated in the twouppermost digits of the date. Nothing appears in the third uppermostdigit. A hyphen "-" is indicated in the fourth uppermost digit. Thecaption code TITLE is indicated in the two lowest digits. The TITLELANGU data is partially illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32, and consists ofcodes defined for the languages and captions. To command indication inthe LCD panel 22, the codes are used. The caption setting (ST) isinitially determined as the language code G=13 (U.S. English) and thecaption code T=0 (CHRISTMAS) as illustrated in FIG. 30.

Each time the ST button 243 is pushed, the caption code is incrementallystepped as 1, 2, 3, 4 and so on. After the caption code becomes up to30, it becomes "₋₋ ", and again zero (0). When the caption code is "₋₋", it means that no caption is printed with the frame. The caption codeis changed cyclically. The ST button 243 is constructed such that, whenkept pushed for one second, the caption code is incrementally steppedautomatically at frequency of 125 msec. The language code, each time thePQ button 242 is pushed, is incrementally stepped as 1, 2, 3 and so on.After the language code becomes up to 13, it becomes 1 again. Thelanguage code is changed cyclically. In response to turning off the STbutton 243, the caption code is written to EEPROM 54. In response toturning off the PQ button 242, the language code is written to EEPROM54. When the ST select mode is started again in next operation, thecaption code and the language code stored in EEPROM 54 are displayed.

After the caption code and the language code are set, the user takes anexposure by turning on the SP1 switch of the shutter release button 14and driving a shutter device 14a via the shutter release button 14. Thephoto film is moved by the pitch of one frame, while the magneticinformation writer 150 writes the codes to the magnetic recording area151 together with information of the date on which the exposure istaken. After the one-frame feeding, the ST select mode is ended toreturn to the Date display mode automatically.

In a manner similar to the PQ number, the caption code and language codewritten to the magnetic recording area 151 are changeable if no framehas been exposed after the frame associated with the caption code andlanguage code. A new caption code and a language code can beadditionally written to the magnetic recording area 151 if no frame hasbeen exposed after the frame associated with the initial caption codeand language code. The consecutive operation of the camera for aRewriting operation is depicted in FIG. 33. When the ST button 243 inthe Date display mode is pushed, the ST select mode is started. Acaption code and a language code are set by pushing the ST button 243and the PQ button 242 as desired. Then the D button 241 is kept pushedfor two seconds, so that the Rewriting operation is started in a mannersimilar to the above. If the PQ number has been determined, thedetermined value is written. If the caption code "₋₋ " (off) has beenwritten to the magnetic recording area 151, the caption code beingstored is magnetically deleted.

In the PQ number mode, the D button 241 is kept pushed for two secondsfor starting the Rewriting operation. The present invention isapplicable to an alternative structure in which the Rewriting operationis started when the ST button 243 is kept pushed for two seconds.

In the above embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the information ofthe PQ number is written to the magnetic recording area 151 only whilethe PQ number mode is executed. When the PQ number mode is not executed,no information of a PQ number is written to the magnetic recording area151. Alternatively it is possible in the present invention that, whenthe PQ number mode is not executed in exposing the frame 152, a PQnumber of "1" is automatically written to the magnetic recording area151 associated with the frame 152.

Furthermore it is possible that, when the PQ number mode is not executedin exposing the frame 152, a PQ number determined the most previouslyfor an exposure is automatically written to the magnetic recording area151 associated with the frame 152.

In the above embodiment, exposures are taken on the photo film FLM inthe course of unwinding from the cassette CFL. The present invention isapplicable to a camera in which the photo film FLM is pre-drawn from thecassette CFL, and exposures are taken in the course of winding back intothe cassette CFL.

Although the present invention has been fully described by way of thepreferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to thosehaving skill in this field. Therefore, unless otherwise these changesand modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, theyshould be construed as included therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera having a magnetic head, said magnetichead recording information of a printing number of photographic printsto a magnetic layer of photo film in association with a frame exposed onsaid photo film, said camera comprising:an externally observable displaydevice; a first input unit externally operable for generating a firstsignal; a second input unit externally operable for generating a secondsignal; a third input unit externally operable for generating a thirdsignal; and controller means for selectively executing a date displaymode, a date adjust mode and a print number mode, said date display modebeing adapted to indicate a date in said display device, said dateadjust mode being adapted to adjusting said date in said display device,and said print number mode being adapted to indicate said printingnumber, said date adjust mode being selected when said first signal isgenerated in said date display mode, and said print number mode beingselected when either of said second and third signals is generated insaid date display mode.
 2. A camera as defined in claim 1, wherein whensaid second signal is generated in said date adjust mode, saidcontroller means locally designates one of plural numerals arranged insaid display device to be adjusted; andwhen said third signal isgenerated, said controller means changes said locally designated one ofsaid numerals.
 3. A camera as defined in claim 2, wherein when saideither signal of said second and third signals is generated in saidprint number mode, said controller means changes said printing number.4. A camera as defined in claim 3, further comprising photo film feedingmeans for moving said photo film in forward and reverse directions, saidforward direction being adapted to direct an unexposed frame of saidphoto film toward an exposure station, said reverse direction beingadapted to direct an exposed frame of said photo film toward saidexposure station;wherein said photo film feeding means moves said photofilm in said forward direction by one frame after taking an exposure,and said magnetic head records said printing number while said photofilm is moved in said forward direction by one frame.
 5. A camera asdefined in claim 4, wherein said controller means effects a rewritingoperation when a selected signal selected from said first signal and aremaining one of said second and third signals is generated in saidprint number mode;in said rewriting operation, said photo film feedingmeans moves said photo film in said reverse direction by one frame toset a prior frame at said exposure station, and then moves said photofilm in said forward direction, and said magnetic head records saidprinting number for said prior frame while said photo film is moved insaid forward direction.
 6. A camera as defined in claim 5, wherein saidfirst, second and third input units are first, second and thirdpushbuttons, and said rewriting operation is effected upon continuousdepression of one of said pushbuttons for a predetermined time for saidselected signal being selected from said first signal and said remainingone of said second and third signals.
 7. A camera as defined in claim 6,wherein said display device comprises a first digital region forindicating a year value of said date, a second digital region forindicating a month value of said date, a third digital region forindicating a day value of said date.
 8. A camera as defined in claim 7,wherein in said print number mode, a selected one of said first, secondand third digital regions indicates an indicia for representing saidprint number mode, and another selected one of said first, second andthird digital regions indicates said printing number.